Howard Won't Back Gay Unions
August 5, 2003 - Original Article
By Dennis Atkins

PRIME Minister John Howard has ruled out supporting gay marriages because they were incompatible with an institution designed to ensure "the survival of the species". Mr Howard joined US President George W. Bush and the Vatican in opposing state support for same-sex marriage. He spoke exclusively to The Courier Mail as he flew to Darwin on his way to a historic indigenous health summit on Cape York tomorrow.

He enthusiastically supported health improvements in indigenous communities and Australia's alliance with the US. Mr Howard said he could discuss practical solutions to health issues, such as banning alcohol because Aboriginal leaders were not thinking exclusively about land rights and treaties. He also said Australia could be saved from a horrific terrorist attack through its close alliance with the US.

Mr Howard made it clear he would have nothing to do with any move towards same-sex marriages. "I would never support any facilitation of it in Australia," he said. "The reason is not based on discrimination. It is that marriage as we have traditionally understood it (is) the voluntary union between a man and a woman, hopefully for life."

While he respected people's sexual preferences, Mr Howard said that those calling for gay marriages to be recognised did not understand what marriage meant. "It's a bedrock institution," he said. "You're talking here about the survival of the species. The idea that you treat a gay union the same way as you treat a union between a man and a woman is, in my view, to misunderstand the fundamental bedrock character of marriage." Marriage was the vehicle for "providing the most secure environment" for raising the next generation.

Mr Howard said he would consider a proposal by Aged Care Minister Kevin Andrews for an inquiry to see what could be done to reduce the number of marriage breakdowns. "I'd like to do anything I can to encourage people to marry and to preserve the institution," he said.

The Courier-Mail
Copyright 2003 News Limited